Nnh… Everyone…?
Actually, Ms. Maiko, I think you’re the one that saved me. If it wasn’t for your photo book, I don’t know if I could have gotten through this…
After I saw your photos, I realized something very important.
Photo book…? Are you talking about “My Complex”?
Yes! Thanks to that, I found an answer of my own!
Hee hee… Is that so? Well, I’m glad it came in handy for you, Tsubasa.
Nobu…
And Oribe.
Y-Yes!?
I know now there was something wrong with me. You helped open my eyes to what I had been doing. I want to thank you… There was a part of me that felt like all idols were worthless.
But you healed my clouded judgement! There’s still people who know what it means to model! I have my art back… Let’s take wonderful pictures together!
Y-Yes, sir! I- Um… It’ll be ply measure!
Aw, it’s a happy ending for everyone!
I always thought Maiko looked really awkward here. Tsubasa and the blonde girl can pull the look off, but Maiko is just too old for that overalls getup. She looked much more natural in the original swimsuit, albeit still kind of out of place next to the others.
A successful photo shoot. Well done, gang!
I thought I might be falling for you! I can understand now why Touma was so into that photo book.
Huh? U-Um… F-F-Falling… for me…? Wh-What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?
I think I understand what Kiria meant when she talked about a performance that can captivate a viewer. I’m sure those pictures you just took will capture the hearts of your fans, Tsubasa.
…Oh…
What’s wrong?
Nothing…
Another day, another opportunity for Itsuki to shove his foot in his mouth.
Anyway… it was thanks to you that I managed to get this far, Itsuki. So… Thank you.
…? What’s the problem? Something on my face?
Oh, uh- No…
…Whatever. Bye. I have to go pack up for the day. leaves
That girl really stands out…
She sure does, Itsuki. She’s almost as rude as Yashiro, and that’s quite the accomplishment!
Anyway, back to the office to close this chapter out.
O-O-Ohmygosh! Wh-What do I do, Itsuki!? Kiria’s complimenting me!
Then again, maybe some things aren’t going to change…
Huh?
I’m looking forward to seeing you improve even more.
Eeeeek! Y-Y-Yes, ma’am! Mank you thery vuch!
I never would have guessed from how you act, Kiria, but you really do care a lot about other people.
I… have no idea what you’re talking about.
And the enemies are slowly getting stronger, too. This could be bad.
I know what you mean, Kiria… If we can’t find a way to fight back, the attacks might get to be more than we can handle.
Our best shot is to take down the root of all this… The enemy Mirage that’s commanding all of them. The problem is, how exactly are we going to find this leader…?
First of all… Do we know what kind of a person we’re up against?
Well, not quite, Itsuki. The leader’s bound to be a Mirage, not a human.
Right, but what I mean is if this Mirage leader is possessing someone, what kind of person would it possess?
Well… If we’re talking about the boss of all our enemies, it’d probably possess a powerful figure in the industry…
Gasp! That’s it… All the powerful Mirages that were involved in the incidents have been directly possessing humans! I was imagining someone more like Tiki… but if they’re actively plotting against us, they’d need a body in our world!
So the enemy leader would possess someone influential enough in entertainment that they could afford Nobu’s time… No…that doesn’t get us very far, actually. There’d still be way too many possibilities.
What do you mean?
Mr. Horinozawa’s personality would have been different immediately before and after he was possessed.
I see… So the point right before the change would be when he came into contact with the Mirage mastermind! Nice thinking, Itsuki!
All right. Time to put all my connections to good use!
This is a surprisingly solid plan, given our group’s track record! Of course, it hinges on Maiko’s business connections knowing pretty much every media executive and knowing when this personality change happened and that said personality change was drastic enough that other executives noticed.
…So yeah, it’s pretty much on par with our other hair-brained schemes. Great work, team!
She?
???: Oh, did I keep you waiting? Well, I’m back now. A true Hollywood-style homecoming!
Hey, it’s the blonde girl from earlier. See if you can figure out her gimmick before the end of the update, they’re pretty subtle about it.
Welcome back, Ellie!
This is Eleonora Yumizuru. She’s a Mirage Master like you all, and also a young actress with Fortuna Entertainment.
That’s right. I’m a rising star right now, but I’ll be at the top of Hollywood soon enough.
Wait, you were at that shoot too…? I didn’t know you were with Fortuna.
I’m a new Mirage Master here. My name’s Itsuki Aoi. It’s nice to meet you.
A new Master, huh. And what exactly are you aiming to be?
I haven’t really figured that out yet. I don’t really know if I’m good at anything…
Geez. So you really are just a total newbie here. Well, if you ever need anything, just come to me for help. Experienced veterans have to show the newbies how everything works. That’s how it works in Hollywood!
…Yeah, Hollywood and everywhere else…
Itsuki is clearly not impressed by Ellie’s veteran status. Kiria seems like a far more approachable role model if he really had any questions.
Just Ellie’s fine. Everyone calls me that. It sounds way more Hollywood.
Sounds…Hollywood?
Exactly. So, what’s up?
Are you…biracial, Ellie?
You got it. My mom’s side is from Europe.
I see…
What? It’s not like that’s a big deal.
Some day, this is going to bite us in the ass. But today is not that day.
Well, you’re just so pretty. I was just thinking you probably look great on-screen when you’re in movies or TV shows.
Wh-
G-Geez, and out comes the sweet talk! I can see right through your little act, you know!
Wh-What? No, that’s not my intention at all.
That’s our Itsuki! cue laugh track
So, Ellie, what kind of shows have you been in?
What? Are you serious? Are you telling me you’ve never seen “Dandelion in Love”!? It’s getting really big these days!
Sorry, I’ve never heard of it…but it must be an amazing show.
O-Of course it is! And it’s exactly the breakout hit I need to become a huge star someday!
Okay…
What’s your deal…? Fine. You just watch. One day, you won’t be able to turn on the TV without seeing my face!
And YOU can cut it out with that patronizing attitude! I’m not a fan!
I’m not trying to be patronizing… but that show of yours isn’t getting great ratings. And barely anyone’s talking about it.
I-It’s just getting started! It’s foreshadowing for the big dramatic turnaround, like in all success story movies! You just don’t get it!
Thank you, Touma.
And are you new here, too?
Mhm! My name is Tsubasa Oribe. It’s my pleasure to be working with you, Ms. Eleonora.
Tsubasa, huh? You can just call me Ellie, too. That sounds more movie-star-ish.
In the midst of all this silliness, Maiko gets a phone call.
And that must be a new offer for me!
Yes…? Yes… I’ll let her know. Thank you very much.
So, what’s the new gig?
Uh, well, it was a job offer… for Mamori…
…
Um… well… Never give up, Ellie! Tomorrow is another day!
O-Oh… that’s fine! I mean, I just came back from a job anyways! Gotta get some rest first!
Haha… guess our office is going to get a lot louder again…